MIKEFISHER

FS Southwest

It does not qualify as "breaking news,'' exactly, because
Dirk Nowitzki's commitment to the
Dallas Mavericks is well-known to include his two more contractual years and then a "Mavs Fan For Life'' relationship after that — one that likely includes an extension of the 34-year-old superstar's playing career. But it does qualify as "reassuring'' that Nowitzki conducted an impromptu question-and-answer session on Twitter this weekend to note his status.

"I bleed blue,'' he said, responding to a question about someday jumping to another team and also noting that he will play "two (more seasons) for sure and then see how I feel.''

That would take Nowitzki through the end of the four-year, $80 million deal he signed in 2010.

Nowitzki shares a familial bond with Mavs owner Mark Cuban and GM Donnie Nelson, with whom he won the NBA title in 2011. The immediate goal, of course, is to work towards doing it again. Nowitzki said he sees that as a possibility, adding, "I always feel that way."

Nowitzki noted other bonds, responding to questions about Boston-bound
Jason Terry ("Fam for life'') and about ex-mates Michael Finley and
Steve Nash (calling them his "homeboys'').

Dirk also discussed some of his favorite things, including his favorite bands (the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin), TV show ("Eastbound and Down'') and movie ("Braveheart'').

He also noted that he prefers dogs to cats, red wine to beer, and that he has a fear of cockroaches.

If he wasn't a basketball player, Dirk claimed, he would be a painter or a rock star.

A "rock star''? To anyone who has heard him sing "We Are The Champions,'' Dirk experiencing career success as a rock star really would be news.